Faced with an unprecedented security crisis, the Ecuadorian government is launching a major operation against drug trafficking this Sunday evening. Scheduled to last two weeks, this offensive has the strategic support of the United States.

A country under high tension

Despite the firm policy pursued by President Daniel Noboa for the past two years, the violence continues unabated. The country reached a grim record in 2025 with 9,216 homicides , resulting in a crime rate of 52 per 100,000 inhabitants .

In an attempt to reverse the trend, Home Secretary John Reimberg announced a "very strong offensive" with the following directives:

1. Strict curfew: Total ban on driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. in the coastal provinces (Guayas, Los Rios, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas and El Oro).
2. Exceptions: Only emergency services, healthcare personnel and travelers with airline tickets are allowed to move around.
3. A call for caution: The message from the authorities is clear: "Stay home".

The resources deployed

The army is pulling out all the stops to regain control of the territory:

1. 30,000 soldiers mobilized.
2. Deployment of armored vehicles, helicopters and motorized units.
3. Tactical support and "advice" provided by the United States , although the actual presence of American troops on the ground has not been confirmed.

Ecuador: hub of global traffic

Wedged between Colombia and Peru, the world's two largest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become the transit point for 70% of regional production . Pacific ports are the scene of a bloody struggle between local gangs and Mexican cartels for control of exports.

"We are at war." — John Reimberg, Home Secretary.